Bengaluru: In a sharp response to Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s remarks on the Mahadayi river project, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday accused the Goa CM of having “lost his mental balance” and lacking a basic understanding of India’s federal structure.
“The Goa CM is talking without sense. He doesn’t understand how the federal structure works. The Kalasa-Banduri project has already received an award, tenders have been called, and even during the Basavaraj Bommai government, Union Minister Joshi and others had celebrated it,” Shivakumar said, responding to a media query.
Shivakumar dismissed recent objections raised by the Forest Department as routine and not a bar on construction. “They only sent a notice for minor clarifications. They haven’t said we can’t work. Even if needed, we’ll withdraw submissions made in the Supreme Court—our work will go ahead,” he asserted.
Slamming Sawant’s remarks, Shivakumar said, “I outright condemn his irresponsible statements. His mental balance is off. Karnataka will not remain silent.”
Calling for unity among Karnataka’s representatives, Shivakumar added: “We have 28 MPs and 12 Rajya Sabha members. This is a matter of Karnataka’s self-respect. Why are they silent? One MP’s ego should not decide Karnataka’s future.”
Shivakumar said he would personally meet the Prime Minister and Union Jal Shakti Minister, and lead a delegation of all Karnataka MPs to press the state’s case. “I will arrange the meetings and coordinate with everyone. I’m confident they’ll come. I will fight to protect Karnataka’s rights,” he said.
